Garage/Workshop Receptacles

What does it say in the code book about GFIC in a workshop. I plan on running 3 circuits for plugs. 1 down each side wall and one across the back wall. Do I need 3 GFIC, 1 on each run? How exactly does that play out with the code.

Also, are they they be connected at the start of the run OR in the middle, or does it matter as long as they are there and working??

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

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Garage/Workshop Receptacles

Only receptacles in a residential garage need to be GFCI protected, not a workshop. Unless the receptacle is within 6' of a sink. Otherwise, it would be permissible to use standard outlets at your work bench. However, I would still recommend using GFCIs. Install them at the first outlet on the circuit, and protect the rest downstream.

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

So what is the criteria for something to NOT be a residential garage? What if I turn my garage into a workshop and don't park my car in there? Is it still a garage? What if it is an outbuilding that has a garage door, but has never been used as a garage but more of a workshop? Is GFI protection still required?

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

They are required in a workshop, shed, potting shed, outhouse, pump house, etc, as well.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel

(A) Dwelling Units All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.
Answers based on the 2008 & 2011 NEC.

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

You can install GFCI circuit breakers on each of those 3 circuits. Or install a GFCI receptacle outlet in the 1st location in each circuit and connect the down stream receptacles to the load terminals of that GFCI to protect those receptacle outlets. Wiring them incorrectly gives you no protection.

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

Ughh. Kinda wish I would have bought the GFi breakers instead of regular ones. But then, they came with the panel as a package deal lol. Not that I cant wire the plugs in, just easier to pop in a breaker.

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr500

Ughh. Kinda wish I would have bought the GFi breakers instead of regular ones. But then, they came with the panel as a package deal lol. Not that I cant wire the plugs in, just easier to pop in a breaker.

This stuff gets expensive fast don't it
Mike

Yes it can get expensive in a hurry. And the GFCI breakers can be pricey also. The GFCI receptacles will do the job just fine.

Garage/Workshop Receptacles

Yes, I have.
There is no legal limit, just like residential receptacles on a circuit, but there is common sense limit.
Grounded outlets, especially receptacles, have a certain amount of "leakage" to ground. This is normal. Add up too many and it is enough to nuisance trip a GFI.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.
Answers based on the 2008 & 2011 NEC.